Teen Ecstasy Addiction Treatment

Ecstasy is a man-made, stimulant drug that has hallucinogenic properties. Ecstasy is also known as “Molly” or “MDMA” and creates a high by provoking a rush of two of the brain’s neurotransmitters, Norepinephrine and Serotonin, which signal feelings of happiness. MDMA is usually found in tablet form, though Molly usually refers to a more “pure” crystalline form of MDMA which is stronger and found in capsules. Because Ecstasy is a man-made substance, this puts its purity in question, as manufacturers can easily substitute other substance such as cocaine or amphetamines, into the tablets. This puts teens at additional risk of experiencing negative side effects as well as ingesting substances that they don’t know they’re taking.

Teen Ecstasy Abuse Symptoms

The “high” that teens seek from ecstasy is characterized by increased energy, warmth, intensified senses, and pleasure. Teens might also have heightened senses and/or feel emotionally open toward others. However, in some instances, teen ecstasy abuse can also result in increased:

Furthermore, sometimes following a high, teens may experience a severe mood crash, due to their bodies recalibrating from the abnormal level of neurotransmitters. These crashes can cause teens to feel severe feelings of depression and anxiety, which may last even up to several weeks. Again, because of the impurity of the substance, teens might also have varying experiences with the drug, on different occasions.

One of the most dangerous symptoms of teen ecstasy abuse is it directly affects teens’ neurotransmitters. It’s very dangerous to alter the normal functioning of brain chemistry in teens’ brains, which are still developing, as this can cause long-lasting negative effects. Some of the other negative health effects teen ecstasy abuse can cause include: negative effects on the mood, memory loss, heart problems, increased heart rate, and brain damage.

Paradigm San Francisco Teen Ecstasy Addiction Treatment

At Paradigm San Francisco, the first step in teen ecstasy addiction treatment is to ensure teens’ safe, carefully monitored detox from the substance. Then, we design each teen ecstasy addiction treatment process individually, in order to address the ecstasy abuse within the greater context of teens’ current lives, including their relationships, their environments, their strengths, their interests, and their goals. Our therapists work with teens to help them identify connections between their current drug use and their underlying stressors, as well as their belief systems and thought patterns, both conscious and unconscious. Our therapists work with teens to help them recognize and understand the complete nature of their ecstasy addiction and its effects, throughout a combination of individual therapy, peer group therapy, and family group therapy sessions. By implementing treatment in this well-rounded, holistic way, Paradigm San Francisco treatment not only supports teens to become sober but to become prepared and empowered to live their best, healthiest lives.